Technical Decisions Research Articles

Business process management and digital transition. The case study of an Italian Public University

Purpose The purpose of this study is to highlight how the digitalization of a public university through a structured Business Process Management (BPM) approach allows for a significant performance improvement, even in a bureaucratized context not inclined to process thinking. Design/methodology/approach The used research methodology centers on a single case study conducted at an Italian public university. The selected process has been examined and redesigned within the BPM lifecycle framework. The AS-IS and TO-BE state, i.e. before and after the organizational change, have been modeled according to BPMN2.0 notation and evaluated through quantitative and qualitative techniques. Findings The authors first carried out a literature review to identify pertinent performance indicators suitable for assessing a BPM project within a public organization. Secondarily, applying the BPM framework to the case study enabled significant improvements in the quality of the process. Third, the authors analyzed the impact on people and the organization and how to soothe the transition to a digitalized process. Originality/value The study’s findings can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on BPM as a digitalization approach in the public sector. The case study is the first of its kind in the higher education context. Its value also resides in highlighting the efficacy of using BPM as a guiding tool for making organizational and technical decisions during the implementation phase within the specific context of this paper.

Remotely controlled reality in the “Robotics Fundamentals” course for students of the “Information Systems and Technologies” speciality

Abstract This paper presents the distance learning technology in the “Robotics Fundamentals” course for students of the “Information Systems and Technologies” speciality. The purpose of the educational process in this course is to form students’ understanding a robotics unit and its software as an information system. We need to stress the students’ attention on importance of feedback in such complex systems. The main idea of our approach is to show the students the real production process of robotics system creation as a sequence of steps from modelling and simulation in virtual environment to testing it the in the appropriate real environment. Choice of the software and hardware for supporting the distance learning process is discussed. We suggest some technical decisions according to the remote laboratory and students’ remote communications with the robotics system. Results of conducted surveys are analysed to evaluate the efficiency of study process in the course as well to distinguish tasks for future development od our learning technology.

Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade nº 5.779: a preponderância da efetividade do direito à saúde sobre a hierarquia das normas jurídicas

Objective: To reflect on whether the hierarchy of legal norms should be used as an infallible method of solution even when an apparent conflict between legal norms involving health law can be better resolved through a technical decision by the competent regulatory agency. Methodology: data was collected. In particular, Resolução de Diretoria Colegiada nº 52/2011, Law nº 13.454/2017 and Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade nº 5.779-DF. Specialized legal doctrine was sought on the central and peripheral themes. The data collected was analyzed using the critical-narrative review technique. Results: In Brazil, the adoption of regulatory agencies as normative agents and regulators of economic activities has made it possible to make decisions based less on political criteria than on technical criteria. The legislator, anchored in political criteria, according to the judiciary, cannot go beyond technical criteria. Conclusion: the judgment in Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade nº 5.779 shows that today's concept and the legal nature of the right to health impose new legal paradigms that validate the role of regulatory agencies (making technical decisions in favor of maximum effectiveness of the right to health), even to the detriment of politically legitimized decisions by the legislature. The formal paradigm cannot prevent the materialization of the right. Submission: 03/18/24| Review: 08/16/24| Approval: 08/16/24

Development of the logistics potential of railway transport

An analysis of freight transport statistics over the past 10 years shows sensitivity to political influences from almost all modes of transport to one degree or another, including rail. At the same time, the participation of rail transport in the total volume of freight traffic in recent years can be estimated at 17–18 %. In recent years, there has been a trend towards an increase in the railway transportation sector in the total volume of freight. In order to ensure the technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation, it is necessary to take a number of technical, organizational and managerial decisions to offset the negative consequences. The development of domestic logistics potential involves the development of international transport corridors that will connect the macroeconomic regions of the north, south, east and west. This will certainly have an impact on the global economy as a whole. Therefore, the main task is to develop effective interaction between participants in transport processes both on related modes of transport, as well as the largest representatives of the operator and logistics business, cargo-forming enterprises. In this regard, the current situation has been analyzed using a tool to identify competitive advantages in the domestic market and in conditions of global competition.

A rule-based decision model to support technical debt decisions: A multiple case study of web and mobile app startups

ContextSoftware startups are immature software organizations that focus on the development of a single software product or service. This organizational context accumulates a lot of technical debt to cope with constraints such as limited resources and product-market fit uncertainty. While some research has explored technical debt in startups, there is no study that investigates how software startups should make technical debt decisions throughout the startup evolution stages. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to understand how technical debt decisions are made, and how such decisions should have been made in hindsight. MethodWe conducted a multiple embedded case study to investigate technical debt decisions in five web/mobile app startups. For each case, we interviewed the case founder and developer (a total of 17 participants across cases). In addition, we collected some public documents about the five startups. The data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques. ResultsWe developed a rule-based decision model that summarizes the logic to effectively make technical debt decisions throughout the startup evolution stages. In addition, we evaluated the model by conducting follow-up interviews with three participants. ConclusionThe study provides a decision model that reflects actual practice, and is designed to help software teams in startups when making technical debt decisions throughout the startup evolution stages.

МЕТОДИКА ВЫБОРА РЕСУРСОСБЕРЕГАЮЩИХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННО-ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ РЕШЕНИЙ НА ЭТАПЕ ЗАВЕРШЕНИЯ ЖИЗНЕННОГО ЦИКЛА ЗДАНИЙ

The article discusses the main aspects of resource and energy conservation at the stage of completion of the life cycle of buildings. It is shown that the stage of completion of the life cycle is extremely important for buildings and other capital construction projects and requires a systematic approach to the choice of organizational and technological solutions for the liquidation or reconstruction of the building. The concept of the final stage of the life cycle of buildings has been clarified. The importance of making resource-saving organizational and technical decisions taken at the stage of completion of the life cycle of buildings is shown. Indicators have been developed for making appropriate organizational and technical decisions. The methodology of choosing organizational and technological solutions at the stage of completion of the life cycle of buildings, taking into account resource conservation, is presented. The methodology includes several stages, the results of which are a star-shaped infographic model of the values of organizational and technological solutions, which is created at the stage of completion of the life cycle of buildings. The methodology takes into account the indicators of resource and energy consumption for the implementation of various organizational and technological solutions. Calculation formulas for use in the infographic model are proposed: material consumption, labor costs of workers, financial costs labor costs of construction machines and mechanisms energy intensity of construction reconstruction. The proposed model is used to evaluate and select options for the feasibility of reorganizing buildings at the end of their life cycle, taking into account resource and energy conservation.

Power and Political Influence in Sports in Indonesia: A Literature Review

This research aims to analyze the power and political influence in sports in Indonesia. In this study, the author used a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through literature review. The results of the study showed that power and political influence greatly affect the development of sports in Indonesia, from the development of infrastructure, organization of sporting events, to the recruitment of athletes and coaches. Political influence also affects the integrity of sports, such as doping cases and cheating in competitions. In addition, power and political influence can have a negative impact on athletes and coaches, such as political intervention in technical decisions and the appointment of incompetent people as sports administrators. However, there have been several efforts made by the government and society to reduce the negative impact of power and political influence in sports, such as the formation of independent institutions and increasing awareness of sports integrity. Therefore, the conclusion of this study is that it is important to pay attention to the role and political influence in the development of sports in Indonesia, as well as taking appropriate steps to maintain integrity and minimize the negative impact of power and political influence in sports.

Формирование цифровой модели угольного месторождения в горно-геологической информационной системе МАЙНФРЭЙМ

Digitalization of enterprise management using Russian software is the main trend in the development of the country's mining sector. Sharp fluctuations in demand and prices in the mineral markets, as well as the development of technical tools for mechanization and automation of technological processes along with a systematic increase in their cost affect the financial performance of mining companies. This determines the need for a rapid adoption of technical, technological and organizational decisions, which, along with the requirements of the company's owners and regulators to obtain prompt, reliable and the most complete information about the production process explains the urgent need for the prompt introduction of digital control systems for mining operations. In the article the authors describe an algorithm to design a digital model of the mining and geological system, including a digital geological model of the deposit, digital models of mine workings and the surface topography, based on the experience of creating three-dimensional digital models of complex-structured coal deposits. The basic software suite for designing a digital management system for mining operations is the MINEFRAME mining and geological information system developed at the Mining Institute of the Kola Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. MINEFRAME allows to perform a full range of tasks aimed at creation of a digital 3D model of the mining and geological system for a coal deposit with the possibility to account for the complex bedding in the modelling. High accuracy and correctness of the input geological sampling data is achieved by means of tools to check for errors in the tables of borehole collar coordinates, inclinometry and sampling. The wireframe modelling methods implemented in MINEFRAME provide the possibility to create wireframe models of seams with high detail in the fracture zones.

Calculation of the heat stabilizer effective parameters depending on its location relative to the pile

Maintaining the soil in a frozen state in a cryolithozone is necessary for preventing the collapse of structures. The most effective technical solution for this is the use of two-phase passive heat stabilizers. Monitoring the state of permafrost soil allows to accept technical decisions that prevent soil thawing. Calculation the effective parameters of such decisions requires mathematical modeling of thermal and hydrodynamic processes. An approach is proposed to effectively compensate the heat flux from the pile on the ground, assuming the location of the heat stabilizer in the same well with the pile or at a slight distance from it. The aim of the work is to calculate the effective parameters of the heat stabilizer depending on its location relative to the pile. The developed mathematical model assumes the five tasks: 1) blowing the above-ground part of the heat stabilizer with air; 2) movement of liquid refrigerant to the bottom of the heat stabilizer; 3) cooling of the casing of the heat stabilizer with an two-phase flow of refrigerant; 4) heat exchange in the system refrigerant — the casing — frozen soil; 5) compensation of heat flow from the pile into the ground with heat flow from the ground into the heat stabilizer. The first problem is solved on the basis of an empirical criterion equation. The second and third tasks are solved using the laws of conservation of mass, momentum and energy. The fourth and fifth tasks involve solving the equation of thermal conductivity. As a result of calculations, the effective parameters of the heat stabilizer were obtained. The minimum lateral dimensions of the heat stabilizer casing have been established to compensate the heat flow from the pile into the ground. The time of freezing front reaching the pile from the heat stabilizer located at a distance of 0.5 m from one of its corners has been determined.

When perception is reality: examining perceived accessibility of recreational public spaces through social space production

ABSTRACT Social space production theorizes space as a socially constructed phenomenon, comprising of the expectations of society, technical design decisions, and the physical features that result. This theorization of space is especially relevant to recreational public spaces (e.g. parks, playgrounds, community centres) in low-income settings. This is because, the power linkages between technical decisions and neo-capitalist influence, have in some instances, translated to physical features for recreation that do not meet societal expectations or ideals on use. However, recognized opportunities of use (i.e. perceived accessibility) are yet to be examined through the physical, technical, and social facets that collectively guide considerations, as theorized in social space production. Our study hence adopts social space production as a lens to examine perceived accessibility to public recreational spaces in low-income residential contexts. Participatory mapping interviews with resident leads in a low-income residential context in the United States, revealed three thematic considerations. The themes were namely: physical ease of use, planning and design experiences, and social interactions with and within space. Our findings demonstrate that multifaceted considerations, which are pertinent to physical, technical, and social aspects of social space production, are informative to perceived accessibility.

Models of quality costs by A. Feigenbaum, J. Juran, F. Crosby in the concept of the development of quality economics

Aim. Consider the specifics and features of quality cost models by A. Feigenbaum, J. Juran, F. Crosby in the context of increasing the efficiency of cost management.Objectives. Describe Joseph M. Juran's model (Juran's Spiral); classify quality costs by J. Juran — A. Feigenbaum; describe the classification of costs by F. Crosby.Methods. This work uses general scientific research methods: deduction, induction, generalization, comparative analysis, synthesis (unification), study and theoretical analysis.Results. In the modern economy, product quality plays a critical role, influencing the competitiveness and stability of the country's economic system, which makes quality management not just a formality, but a strategic necessity. Active implementation and development of quality systems is considered by enterprises as a means to improve reputation, increase market share and strengthen customer loyalty, and such systems help reduce costs by preventing defects and optimizing processes.Conclusions. An analysis of quality cost models was carried out as one of the key methods in increasing the economic efficiency of the organization. In modern quality management practice, special attention is paid not only to the identification and assessment of quality costs, but also to their role in the process of making managerial and technical decisions. This is especially true when planning the production activities of an enterprise. Quality cost analysis is becoming an important tool to help management formulate economically sound decisions.

Disaster waste and debris clean-up decisions of government actors in the United States: social process and socio-material systems

ABSTRACT In the United States, debris removal is one of the costliest and most time-consuming elements of disaster response and recovery. It is essential to reducing secondary environmental and health risks, and to community recovery and rebuilding. Analysis of debris removal and waste management, though, primarily treats it as a series of operational steps and technical decisions. In contrast, this article analyses disaster debris removal decision-making as a social process. We present the findings of an ethnographic study that engaged over 70 government actors from federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies in focus groups and interviews. By examining the experiences of these actors, who are central to debris removal decisions, this article identifies decision points that send waste down particular pathways from collection to final disposal. Three operational areas of concern that emerge from the analysis are: local control and capacity, cost and reimbursement, and balance between urgency and sustainability. This article shows how social processes in particular socio-material systems shape these decisions, such as the interplay of waste and disaster institutional arrangements. Finally, it shares practical implications for social process workarounds to operational challenges, such as interagency and interlevel relationships, that can support on-the-ground decision-making.

CSIMQ Anniversary Editor-in-Chief Thoughts and Editorial Introduction to Issue 38: Model-based and Decision Support Methods for Next-generation Information Systems

CSIMQ enters its second decade of existence, therefore the preface for the current issue starts with a message from the Editor-in-Chief, highlighting the journal’s mission of dealing with complexity management and systems modeling as meta-fields that have emerged from Information Science but remain relevant across diverse domains. Afterwards, the 38th issue is introduced by summarizing the four articles selected by guest issue editors on topics related to novel decision support methods or model-based frameworks for evolving or evaluating information systems. Design-oriented research is the dominant approach in these works, balancing technical design decisions insights with empirical evaluation cases. Three of the selected articles contribute with decision-support methods or frameworks – for ESG (Environment-Social-Governance) accounting, for democratized decision services and for information security management. Another article revisits UML-based model-driven software development from a new perspective.

Hierarchical fuzzy model applied to oil trading

Computer trading is currently relatively limited to quantitative trading in paper markets, such as, futures, swaps, and options, ignoring the large volume of physical commodities trading. Numerical algorithms and mathematical methods are frequently applied in the trading of non-physical commodities and stock markets. However, the physical trade of oil does not have a computer program that represents an unquestionable development that includes more complex and subjective factors that traders take into consideration when entering a transaction. Using fuzzy logic, this work proposes a new approach to base a method that can rank oils and the variables, commonly involved in the trading. It uses fuzzy logic to blend objective and subjective factors and brings in two key hierarchical steps to the process. It is shown that this model can also be useful for apprising a decision-making process, improving internal communication, and for the management of physical commodities trading. Here the options of trading are assessed accordingly to its numerical and linguistic judgments, considering even abrupt outcomes. The wide-ranging options, successive filters, and factors evaluation that mirror the technical and expert trading decision making process make it possible for the future application of artificial intelligence (AI) in physical commodities trading.

Process Engineer: Technical Benchmark, Decision Maker and Liaison Center

Process Engineer: Technical Benchmark, Decision Maker and Liaison Center

Lessons identified from applications of the Risk Analysis Quality Test Release 1.0.

The Risk Analysis Quality Test Release 1.0 (RAQT1.0) was developed as a framework to encourage mutual understanding between technical risk analysts and risk management decision makers of risk assessment quality indicators. The initial version (release 1.0) was published by the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) in 2020 with the intent of learning from early test applications whether the approach was useful and whether changes in approach or contents would be helpful. The results of applications across three diverse fields are reported here. The applications include both retrospective evaluations of past risk assessments and prospective guidance on the design of future risk assessment projects or systems. The fields represented include Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment, Cultural Property Risk Analysis, and Software Development Cyber Risk Analysis. The RAQT1.0 proved helpful for identifying shortcomings in all applications. Ways in which the RAQT1.0 might be improved are also identified.

Framework for Implementing e-Portfolio Assessment to Improve Student Habits of Mind and Mastery of Chemistry Studies Concepts

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for improving teachers’ online teaching skills. One skill was using electronic portfolio assessment. Electronic portfolio assessment as an alternative assessment does not only focus on cognitive aspects but also is in line with the regulations of the Ministry of Education regarding the assessment of learning outcomes that focus not only on cognitive aspects but also on aspects of skills and attitudes. This study aimed to develop a framework for electronic portfolio assessment to improve students’ habits of mind and mastery of chemical studies concepts. We conducted a literature review to identify, categorize, synthesize and develop a framwork. This offers chemistry teachers a model for systematically designing and implementing an electronic portfolio of assessments and provides them with the instruments to conduct further research on assessment techniques. This framework guides chemistry teachers through important technical decisions, such as setting goals, identifying clear goals and establishing meaningful criteria for electronic portfolio assessment. Other issues discussed include defining the content of the electronic portfolio, managing the electronic portfolio, and monitoring and evaluating processes.
 Keywords: electronic portfolio assessment, habits, chemical concepts

Characterization of subaerial lava flows of the presalt strata in the Santos Basin based on basic well logs

It is hard to identify volcanic morphologies using well logs to support technical decisions during well drilling and the acquisition of geological information. Therefore, this study was carried out on the volcanic sequence present in the Presalt interval of the Santos Basin, Brazil, which is referred to as the Camboriú Formation. This section was described in a previous study using image well logs as a succession of subaerial lava flows formed mainly by compound pahoehoes, sheet pahoehoes and rubbly pahoehoes. Based on sidewall core samples and petrophysical, geochemical and mineralogical reports, we identified five electrofacies from gamma ray, resistivity, sonic, density and neutron logs, representing patterns for identifying lava flows in subaerial sequences. In addition, we applied a porosity quantification method that resulted in a method for obtaining information from the matrix and presented coherent values in facies that did not present amygdalae or breccias and inferring altered zones from variations in resistivity and density logs or from cross-plots. Patterns of well log responses were defined for each type of lava flow present in the studied well, as was the inference about the most favorable facies for reservoirs. This methodology, which uses basic well logs from basalts, is unprecedented in the Presalt sequence and can be easily used to evaluate this exploratory frontier because of its close association with subaerial volcanism.

Modernization of the KarPLAZ Plasma Cutting Machine Design in Classic-B LLP

The study aims to increase the efficiency of the plasma cutting machine by optimizing the technological parameters of plasma cutting equipment, improving quality (precision cutting of shaped parts, cutting quality), reducing the number of locksmith work (removal of deburring, cauterization), and reducing the percentage of defects in production. Inaccuracies were revealed when cutting parts on the KarPLAZ plasma machine in Classic-B LLP. The design and operation features of machine parts and assemblies have been studied. After analyzing the experimental data and the design of the machine, design and technological decisions were made. The drive was calculated, working drawings were developed, the kinematic pair "gearrack" was replaced, and a full-scale experiment was carried out. The results of the research work confirmed the correctness of the technical decisions made.

Dataset of the suitability of major food crops in Africa under climate change

Understanding the extent and adapting to the impacts of climate change in the agriculture sector in Africa requires robust data on which technical and policy decisions can be based. However, there are no publicly available comprehensive data of which crops are suitable where under current and projected climate conditions for impact assessments and targeted adaptation planning. We developed a dataset on crop suitability of 23 major food crops (eight cereals, six legumes & pulses, six root & tuber crops, and three in banana-related family) for rainfed agriculture in Africa in terms of area and produced quantity. This dataset is based on the EcoCrop model parameterized with temperature, precipitation and soil data and is available for the historical period and until mid-century. The scenarios used for future projections are SSP1:RCP2.6, SSP3:RCP7.0 and SSP5:RCP8.5. The dataset provides a quantitative assessment of the impacts of climate change on crop production potential and can enable applications and linkages of crop impact studies to other socioeconomic aspects, thereby facilitating more comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts and assessment of options for building resilience.